West Indies appear to be a popular side to plan a swansong against. Less than four years on from the two-Test series they played in India - more famous for being Sachin Tendulkar's last series than anything else - Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan have decided they, too, will bid farewell to international cricket once the upcoming three Tests against Jason Holder's men are concluded.

As such, the focus is largely on the visiting side, and the statistical minutiae of what the pair might be able to do over these three games. When will Younis complete 10,000 Test runs? Will Misbah finally reverse a trend that has seen Pakistan lose six Test matches in a row, a run that began against these very opponents in Sharjah last year? Will Pakistan finally win their maiden Test series in the Caribbean? Heck, will Younis stick to his retirement decision this time?

There isn't any such context or grand meaning to the West Indies angle. At best, they can build on a somewhat encouraging performance during the ODIs, and their younger players can polish their credentials in the longest format of the game. A series win would mark their seemingly umpteenth turnaround, a word that apparently so frustrates West Indies cricket fans Fazeer Mohammed said it had been banned right across the Caribbean.

However, what has quietly gone unnoticed while everyone vies for the most melancholic tribute to Misbah and Younis is that a decidedly second-string West Indies side dominated Pakistan during a three-day tour match. The retiring duo combined for 15 runs, while Pakistan's spin king Yasir Shah registered figures of 53-3-189-3 across both innings. The West Indies President's XI took a lead of 227 runs and came away with a fair degree more credibility than the international opposition.

Kieran Powell looked like one of West Indies' brightest prospects when, at 22, he scored two hundreds in a Test against Bangladesh, helping his team to victory. However, he followed that with 16 innings without a half-century, and was dropped from the Test side in June 2014. He looks set to return to the fold for the first Test after a strong showing in the tour game, scoring 58 and an unbeaten 84, and could be a real asset for the hosts at the top of the order if he has managed to regain some of the form he found early on in his career.

41.60. That is what Mohammad Amir has averaged in Test cricket since his return from his five-year ban in 2016. The format that Amir called his "real comeback" back in July last year has not been as kind to him as it was to the teenage boy whose first dalliances with Tests were both mesmeric and exhilarating. Ever since his return, the format has rejected his overtures, even as it has become apparent he is trying very hard (and fielders dropping simple catches doesn't help). Some have begun calling for him to be dumped but for the moment, he is stringing along, feeling he has to fulfil his potential, as well as live up to the romanticised memories people carry of him ripping shreds off Australia and England's batting line-ups seven years ago.

Team news

West Indies have recalled Powell for the first Test, while newcomers Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh could make their debuts in a reshaped top order on the back of strong performances during the tour game. Shannon Gabriel, who struggled with a hamstring injury towards the end of the ODI series, is fit.

Hasan Ali will miss the first Test with a groin injury, although he is understood to be recovering well, and expected to play a part later on in the series. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar could potentially make his debut, which would see him become the first player from Balochistan - Pakistan's largest province by area - play Test cricket for his country.

Rain is expected across all five days of the Test. The Sabina Park surface has been relaid of late to enable it to become harder and faster, but the pitch has been slower over the last two decades or so.

Stats and trivia

West Indies have not played a Test since their victory against the same opponents in Sharjah last November; Pakistan have played five, in New Zealand and Australia.

Younis Khan needs 23 runs to become the first Pakistan player to score 10,000 Test runs. He is comfortably ahead of the second highest: Javed Miandad with 8832.

Sabina Park may be the premier cricket ground in Jamaica, but it isn't the largest. The multi-purpose Trelawny Stadium, which was established in 2006 and hosted the tour game earlier this week, seats up to 25,000 people, while Sabina Park's capacity is 20,000.

Quotes

"It's interesting, obviously quite a bit of moisture there in the surface. There's a bit of grass cover there as well so I think there should be something in maybe the first hour of play for the faster bowlers."West Indies captain Jason Holder hints at what could be a testing session for whoever bats first

metman 2 bajans out for just 2 runs how is the bajan pride now lets hope the others can get into double figures

Ricardo Mitchell
on April 21, 2017, 15:09 GMT

Very very good team selection by West Indies, i hope J Holder captain the game properly and let us win. There are some real promising test players in this team and i hope that they are given the guidance and respect needed for them to shine. A total of 330 380 would be a bonus for the young lad to start with.

indian
on April 21, 2017, 14:27 GMT

although pak is a very weak team, wi shouldn't take them lightly. a clean sweep win is on the card for wi.

kendal7037988
on April 21, 2017, 14:00 GMT

Even though he demonstrated qualities not normally associated with Pakistan cricket, Misbah himself was more than capable of the wildly mecurial and unpredictable. Captain Tuk Tuk equalling Sir Viv for (at that time) the fastest Test ton? Few would have guessed it. The first ever World T20 final is another moment that comes to mind, although that was less happy for him in the end. On top of that I feel he has been one of the more dignified cricketers (along with H Amla) of the last decade or so: a superb ambassador for both his country and the game. Never understood the hate he receives, and I will also never forget his push-ups at Lords. A truly brilliant moment. Congrats also to Younis Khan on a tremendous batting career. There is little doubt he'll end up with 10k runs, which puts him in a rather elite category. All the best to both teams for the series.

Karbon
on April 21, 2017, 13:40 GMT

watch out for shimron hetmyer...i watched u19 wc last year... this guy can bat...

jarrel0723030
on April 21, 2017, 13:22 GMT

If you are expecting players like Blackwood, Dowrich and Chase to do well I suggest you damper your hopes because it is severely misplaced. I can't see that players who were out of form in the domestic season against below par bowlers would suddenly find form against one of the best Test teams in the world. Unfortunately form doesn't work like that so it's in WI best interest to play Hetmyer and Singh.

shehry0429131
on April 21, 2017, 13:19 GMT

@ELECTRIC_LOCO_WAP4'S_MAMA
absolutely agreewith you. which is very frustrating to see. i'm afraid that playing home games in the UAE and Misbah's spin spin spin strategy while it works in the UAE, it means when pakistan tours overseas, they get india'ed ( whitewashed) as our fast bowlers get found out. back in the days of Inzimam when pakistan played at home, we would play 3 quicks and a spinner + afridi. rather than 2 quicks, 2 spinners + hafeez like under misbah

cricfan65768554
on April 21, 2017, 13:02 GMT

All eyes on younis and misbah.

michael
on April 21, 2017, 13:01 GMT

@cricman007. A bowler is expected to beat the batsman but he does not get judged on how frequently he does that. It is ultimately the wickets that he takes. Similarly a batsman is not judged by the length of stay in the wicket but on runs made (combined with SR in T20 and ODI). A keeper is expected to collect the balls that beat the bat or are left alone but he is not judged on that. It is ultimately the chances that he takes and this where Hope is poor. To date he has taken 15 chances and missed a whopping 8 to leave him at 65 % which is terrible. Dowrich is better than that with 11 taken and 3 missed which is 78 % - still not up to international standard which should be 90% or above.

Muhammad
on April 21, 2017, 17:32 GMT

good start by Pakistan. Pakistan must restrict west Indies below 200.

mrblkl3870733
on April 21, 2017, 16:07 GMT

metman 2 bajans out for just 2 runs how is the bajan pride now lets hope the others can get into double figures

Ricardo Mitchell
on April 21, 2017, 15:09 GMT

Very very good team selection by West Indies, i hope J Holder captain the game properly and let us win. There are some real promising test players in this team and i hope that they are given the guidance and respect needed for them to shine. A total of 330 380 would be a bonus for the young lad to start with.

indian
on April 21, 2017, 14:27 GMT

although pak is a very weak team, wi shouldn't take them lightly. a clean sweep win is on the card for wi.

kendal7037988
on April 21, 2017, 14:00 GMT

Even though he demonstrated qualities not normally associated with Pakistan cricket, Misbah himself was more than capable of the wildly mecurial and unpredictable. Captain Tuk Tuk equalling Sir Viv for (at that time) the fastest Test ton? Few would have guessed it. The first ever World T20 final is another moment that comes to mind, although that was less happy for him in the end. On top of that I feel he has been one of the more dignified cricketers (along with H Amla) of the last decade or so: a superb ambassador for both his country and the game. Never understood the hate he receives, and I will also never forget his push-ups at Lords. A truly brilliant moment. Congrats also to Younis Khan on a tremendous batting career. There is little doubt he'll end up with 10k runs, which puts him in a rather elite category. All the best to both teams for the series.

Karbon
on April 21, 2017, 13:40 GMT

watch out for shimron hetmyer...i watched u19 wc last year... this guy can bat...

jarrel0723030
on April 21, 2017, 13:22 GMT

If you are expecting players like Blackwood, Dowrich and Chase to do well I suggest you damper your hopes because it is severely misplaced. I can't see that players who were out of form in the domestic season against below par bowlers would suddenly find form against one of the best Test teams in the world. Unfortunately form doesn't work like that so it's in WI best interest to play Hetmyer and Singh.

shehry0429131
on April 21, 2017, 13:19 GMT

@ELECTRIC_LOCO_WAP4'S_MAMA
absolutely agreewith you. which is very frustrating to see. i'm afraid that playing home games in the UAE and Misbah's spin spin spin strategy while it works in the UAE, it means when pakistan tours overseas, they get india'ed ( whitewashed) as our fast bowlers get found out. back in the days of Inzimam when pakistan played at home, we would play 3 quicks and a spinner + afridi. rather than 2 quicks, 2 spinners + hafeez like under misbah

cricfan65768554
on April 21, 2017, 13:02 GMT

All eyes on younis and misbah.

michael
on April 21, 2017, 13:01 GMT

@cricman007. A bowler is expected to beat the batsman but he does not get judged on how frequently he does that. It is ultimately the wickets that he takes. Similarly a batsman is not judged by the length of stay in the wicket but on runs made (combined with SR in T20 and ODI). A keeper is expected to collect the balls that beat the bat or are left alone but he is not judged on that. It is ultimately the chances that he takes and this where Hope is poor. To date he has taken 15 chances and missed a whopping 8 to leave him at 65 % which is terrible. Dowrich is better than that with 11 taken and 3 missed which is 78 % - still not up to international standard which should be 90% or above.

Muhammad Ammar
on April 21, 2017, 12:48 GMT

#MisYou we shall really miss both of you. Whether you this match for prime or pride, we are ok with all your previous feats. Hope Pakistan regains confidence in test arena. Best of luck.

CricMystique
on April 21, 2017, 12:38 GMT

am indian, but this series will be interesting for this neutral fan....i do think pak with their far superior pace bowling attack and spin firepower will prevail, i donot see windies batsmen having the wherewithal to grind out big inings.....all in all the matches should be pretty even ....cmon pak...all the v best from an indian fan

giovaughn
on April 21, 2017, 12:38 GMT

The only quality player in the squad is brathwaite, they didn't select Taylor despite his record at Sabina. Samuels isn't in the squad, as much as we like Tuts that decision isn't the worst thing they could have done. They kicked out Shiv n left out Bravo because he refuses to bow down to Dave. If they leave Blackwood out of the 11, who would Jamaicans pay their hard earned money to go n see? If I go to Bina tomorrow it will be to get autographs from Misbah Younis or Amir, the way our cricket is being run n our players r representing the region admission should b free. Scratch that, we should be payed for the emotional trauma they put us thru

Ranil
on April 21, 2017, 12:10 GMT

With the CT trophy just around the corner why did not this series start with the Tests & then get the ODIs so that Pak will be ready for the CT?
Or is it sour grapes for the WI who are not featuring in the CT, did not take that into account because they have no interest in the CT? Any bright idea??

Shekar
on April 21, 2017, 11:20 GMT

METMAN, grow up! Your posts always advocate your countrymen and bash others.
Anyways, Bishoo presents divided opinions - he was one of WI's outstanding bowlers in their very last Test series (vs PAK as well in the UAE) yet he has since bowled poorly in regional cricket as well as in the limited over series vs Eng and Pak!
Having been overshadowed by Ashley Nurse during the ODIs, I thought the selectors would have been inclined to give Nurse a run as the frontline spinner.

Khurram S Chaudhry
on April 21, 2017, 11:04 GMT

So wahab and amir made it in by default. As per media reports no asghar nor shadab. They will go with abbas. So its 3_1 attack. Absence of part timer may hurt them. But got no option. Azhar or asad will bowl some. Batsmen will have to rise and do better than warm up

Ovais
on April 21, 2017, 10:42 GMT

why in't Sami Aslam playing, i dont understand?

tigero0569799
on April 21, 2017, 10:31 GMT

All the best to Mohammed Ashgar. He will prove that players from balochistan are talented.

CRIC
on April 21, 2017, 10:03 GMT

Chase and Brathwaite offer almost as much of a threat as Bishoo, so personally I would leave him out of the 13, along with Blackwood despite his home pitch knowledge (new track anyway). I like Blackwood but his recent run of form in FC cricket has been poor (only one 50 in last 5 matches with a string of single figure scores). Go with Gabriel, Cummins, Joseph and Holder as the bowling unit, with support from Chase and Brathwaite. Hetmyer has so much potential...he could really become a fine, dominating player. Hope has a degree of class, just give these youngsters the opportunites they need. Singh and Powell in too, hopefully will carry their recent form over to test cricket. At last...the kiddie cricket is over and we can watch some REAL cricket! Best of luck Windies.

Cricinfouser
on April 21, 2017, 9:43 GMT

rahat should play both test matches

Fitzherbert
on April 21, 2017, 9:22 GMT

Blackwood or Dowrich should sit and let Shai Hope play. Players must not fail throughout the first class season and then hope to find form in the international matches. Shai Hope has shown that he is proficient with the gloves and he has also been performing with the bat. Dowrich has done nothing all season and it would send the wrong message if he just walks into the team. Blackwood on the other hand has a tendency to hit a few lusty blows then get out as is evidenced by his 26 average in tests in 2016. He should be playing t20s or ODIs. The batting has always been a letdown. It is time to start a test series with the players who are in a rich vein of form.

Shyam
on April 21, 2017, 8:41 GMT

All the very best for Misbah & Yunis. They deserve a great series as a finish. - From an Indian

electr4678568
on April 21, 2017, 8:15 GMT

Wahab riaz has Ishant Sharmaisque bowling averages in international cricket.

mjakht7573406
on April 21, 2017, 7:32 GMT

If there is lively pitch then pak batsmen will struggle except one or two. All the best to both teams.

Rakesh
on April 21, 2017, 7:02 GMT

@cricfan20688740 - agree bro. Pakistani cricketers are in huge demand with English counties. Much tougher conditions than Aus.

Murtamak
on April 21, 2017, 6:58 GMT

Disappointed to read that there's a bit of weather around Jamaica. Should be a decent test series as PAK aim to get back to winning ways as Misbah hands the reigns over and along with YK bows out. Very interested to see how our pace bowling stacks up. Yasir is no doubt a world class leggie (albeit his form has been a bit iffy of late) but its high time the quicker men stepped up and were counted instead of Yasir bowling 70-80 overs in the test.

a
on April 21, 2017, 6:53 GMT

Your probables list has 4 specialist bowlers and no bowling all-rounder. Unlikely... They may take Asghar for Shahzad and have Babar open.

Josiah
on April 21, 2017, 6:48 GMT

anyways good luck to the team today. I'd rather bat first on the wicket and make best use of the pitch seeing as the ball doesn't do much after the first session or so and the sabina wicket slows down at lot and starts turning

usw8734401993
on April 21, 2017, 6:38 GMT

haleos. yes I know and I meant BBL my bad. but do you really think they wouldn't want some of these players. And if they don't then at least get them some club lvl games so get get used to conditions. for once even 1 pak spinners gets it right aus will be destroyed (see 2000 test win where mushy did a number on aus strongest team)

shani
on April 21, 2017, 6:36 GMT

Big concern for pakistan is yasir is not picking wickets and that is causing a game, yasir should bowl more attacking line and with attacking feild,, still beleive misbah should play his last test series as a player under sarfaraz captaincy so he should get some experience,, other wise its nice, balance team amir should try to swing tha bowl, i dont knw why he is bowling on shorter stuff,,,

Moin
on April 21, 2017, 6:34 GMT

inzy can't understand the talent if he understands than he will never select Shahzad...

amaras8004826
on April 21, 2017, 6:29 GMT

champions will rise cmon the west indies

amaras8004826
on April 21, 2017, 6:27 GMT

champions champions everybody knows that champions will win cmon the west indies

Shakil
on April 21, 2017, 6:07 GMT

Pakistan team is not so strong as was in the past. Bowling is a big concern nowadays and WI will not be an easy team on home soil. So a tough task is waiting for Pak. Facing fast bowlers like Gabriel and Joseph will be hard nut to crack for Pak batters. Rainy any cloudy conditions in all 5 days will test pak batsmen.

Jay
on April 21, 2017, 5:39 GMT

I hope Misbah makes at least 49 runs and Younis 23 runs, so they can retire with 5000 and 10000 test runs each. That would be a great milestone for two top chaps.

Good luck to them.

Rakesh
on April 21, 2017, 5:24 GMT

@cricfan20688740 - You dont send players to play BPL and county. They call them.

Tanmay
on April 21, 2017, 4:50 GMT

On a lively wicket, WI pacers have good chance against Pak batsman. On the other hand, Pak pacers can trouble WI as well, hoping for a good contest. Best luck to both teams from India.

usw8734401993
on April 21, 2017, 4:24 GMT

wow what a fall for pak cricket. 1 yr ago we were thrashing eng around and misbah joking about needing a 5th test. sadly yasir just didn't fire in aus or we would have won. next time under sarfraz we should send shadab to play bpl and yasir and usama Mir to play county in aus. also ignore everything shane Warne says listen to mushtaq ahmed he knows what he is doing. Next for batting send one power hitter (maybe fakar zaman) to play bpl and a stable one like Sami aslam to country. hope azhar ali and Asad shafiq pick up their form like they did last series. and finally pray to God. and voila aus win.

Amjad
on April 21, 2017, 4:10 GMT

I think Pak will win this series, can't say comfortably but they should scrap ahead. They better do it by winning the first two test because you never know what will happen in the final test which'll be Misbah and Yunis's last test, maybe a bit of emotions or other younger players jostling for influence within the team after their retirement. Never a dull moment in Pakistan cricket, all the best to both teams.

I like Roach, but after seeing him bowl in the warm up game I have my doubts if he will ever be back to his best. You can see it in his run up, at his peak he used to carry a fair bit of momentum through the crease, but these days you can see he starts to run out of steam in the last couple of steps of his delivery stride, making it harder to generate much pace. As it stands now Gabriel is the best fast bowler WI currently have.

michael
on April 21, 2017, 3:05 GMT

In recent series against Pakistan in UAE Gabriel took 10 wickets, Holder 9, Chase 3 and Cummins 4 (in 2 matches). Who should be dropped?

michael
on April 21, 2017, 2:57 GMT

@ncnotorious. Hope did well as keeper in the ODIs? Are you kidding? He missed 4 chances in the 3 games and his percentage taken is a very poor 65%. Even Dowrich is better than him. As for Gabriel vs Roach, the same Hope dropped a simple one off Gabriel by trying to use his wrist instead of the gloves and that is why Gabriel does not have a 6 for.

Farzain
on April 21, 2017, 2:54 GMT

Unfortunately Pakistan will require 3 fast bowlers because of the poor form of Amir and Wahab plus Amir showed fitness concerns in one dayers. So I wish best of luck to team Pakistan and who debuts. I would say best of luck Abbas.

Randy Bridgeman
on April 21, 2017, 2:40 GMT

Pakistan isn't that special and are certainly beatable. WI would have to do something which they've been unable to do for a long, long time and that is consistently play well, in order to have a reasonable chance of winning. I will always support the WI come what may. Best wishes fellows and our Lord's richest blessings too.

Adrian
on April 21, 2017, 1:46 GMT

@Metman. I see you're back at bashing the Trinis. So sorry that you only have one to target for this match. Gabriel. Who happens to be the best W.I. bowler in recent times. SMH.

Joshua
on April 21, 2017, 1:37 GMT

Blackwood really shouldn't even be in this squad. Giving a call up to the two outstanding ODI series performers i.e. Jason Mohammed and Ashley Nurse would have been a better decision.

rmotir2997905
on April 21, 2017, 1:24 GMT

Devendra Bishoo will do well. I am a West Indian fan and a Younis Khan fan too. I know for a fact that Pakistan Cricket Board give Younis Bhai lots of raw deals during his career so far. I do hope Pakistan will give West Indies a sound trashing because of the way the board is handling these players.

Lots of players and officials need to take a course named "Public Speaking and the art of interview." Lots of words are being overused during interviews in cricket, "You Know, Obviously, Rite, Ok, I Think, Yeh, and Aum.

Zahid
on April 21, 2017, 0:50 GMT

They should kick out Wahab Riaz. He is good for nothing. Junaid should be paired with Amer. What Shahzad is doing in the test lineup. He is trouble make extraordinaire. Plays Hafeez. I will close my eyes when he is batting but he is much better than Selfie Shahzad.
What happened to Fawad Alam? He must not be kissing up to PCB.
Sabina Park wicket will turn on third day. Pakistan should bat first. Good luck green shirts

Saqib.anjum
on April 21, 2017, 0:37 GMT

For the first time in forever... Pakistan has more of concerns regarding the bowling unit than the batting counterpart.... Series depends on how quick the 20 wickets are taken down....

Shuja
on April 21, 2017, 0:30 GMT

Dang! Its 1:27 mins interview he used "You know" 20 times. Now that is some consistency "you know" :-) Jokes apart, it will be a memorable series for both teams. Being the last series for "King Khan" and "Tuk Tuk Liability" and the blooming new faces from Windies. They are going through a rebuilding phase and will definitely make Pakistan strive for the series win. Best of luck to both the teams.

jaswant
on April 21, 2017, 0:23 GMT

Same old story same talk. A few new comers,but I still fear the worst. Let's wait and see.

jibran4078042
on April 20, 2017, 23:41 GMT

I think Misbah and Younis both are going to be a liability in all the three games. Younis should retire as soon as he completes his 10K runs and Misbah should not even have played this series. There is good chance for WI to beat Pakistan just because of these two old horses with lost reflexes.

Hammad
on April 20, 2017, 23:39 GMT

It won't be easy for Pakistan. West Indies will drag the game for as long as possible and Pakistan will have to bowl well with consistency and determination. Pakistan should play 3 seamers and they decide to play two spinners then play Asghar instead of Shadab. Asghar being far more experienced than Shadab in first class cricket. Shehzad, Azhar, Younis, Misbah, Asad, Sarfraz, Shadab, Amir, Wahab, Abbas, Yasir (Shadab can bat and he can play as the 7th batsmen.

You can ask all you want Jason I hope u all go to sleep knowing Azhar Ali will open up

Nabil
on April 20, 2017, 22:49 GMT

I think both Hetmyer and Singh should make the 11. Unfortunately, Dowrich might miss out because of this and the gloves would go to Hope since he showed skill at the keeping position in the ODIs.

cricinfoFreak
on April 20, 2017, 22:40 GMT

Look out for a run fest from Pakistan and then as usually dominate W.I under the score card pressure
Practice game doesn't prove anything at all
If the result is anything less than 3_0 then it will be a real shame for Pakistan team given the weather is fine

divynl6307086
on April 20, 2017, 22:36 GMT

Contd.
Pakistan on the other hand, well, they aren't at their best in test format. But then what a great way to come back into form. Also, interesting that they haven't won a test series in West Indies ever. Despite having a magic tour of 88, they seem to have fumbled two simple opportunities in 2005 (That windies squad was perhaps quite decent though) and 2011 (That should have been won). But now is the golden chance. Personally would hope to see some of the Amir magic. The pace attack of Pakistan actually might not be that strong though, but when the pitches are slow, like last year, Yasir and Shadab should suffice. Where is Sami Aslam? I thought he would be an automatic pick for them. But I guess they must have picked up Shehzad based on his recent domestic form, right? Last but not the least, Both Younis and Misbah (esp. Younis) perform well. It was a pleasure to watch them, kept stability in Pakistan cricket for the last few years.

Satish
on April 20, 2017, 22:36 GMT

Still think WI are a bowler too short with the proposed playing XI. Excited to see Powell, (possibly) Hetmyer and Hope (playing in a batting position he's comfortable with) again. Goodluck WI!

divynl6307086
on April 20, 2017, 22:24 GMT

Hope this does provide some entertainment as there is hardly any red-ball cricket till South Africa-England in July. Really can't predict what the windies will throw up here. They seem to be the only unit around (Other than Zim) maybe where immediate domestic success can actually translate into a test slot. That is kind of a throwback to how cricket boards ran things back in the day. Sadly, there is nothing remotely 'retro' about the side. But Hetmeyer was in the U-19 side and this Singh guy has done well in the recent game. I have big respect for Roston Chase after he drew a match against us last year and well, there is always Kraigg Braithwaite. The bowling line-up doesn't look too bad, actually one of the better ones in recent years. (Thankfully, Jerome and Kemar were removed after that Australia tour of 16, they were trash in that tour)

ALIENA
on April 20, 2017, 22:01 GMT

Good Luck guys. Hope you can remember it is a test match that last 5 days, so don't give your wickets away early. WI batting line up is not too good but hope for the best. Where are Roach and Samuels?

rammoh2759170
on April 20, 2017, 21:55 GMT

It's fair to say Pakistan lost the warm up game. It won't be a cakewalk for them. WI are really missing Darren Bravo here and other good players

Michael
on April 20, 2017, 21:49 GMT

West Indies need to omit Shannon Gabriel.He gets a five wicket haul every FIVE years and his next is due in the year 2022 when he would have been approaching his 34 birthday and this is 2017...pick him in 2022 instead and include Kemar Roach who is ranked 25th in the ICC rankings ,is fitter,YOUNGER and has 6 four wicket hauls,6 five wicket hauls and one 10 for and if one comments person on another forum can talk about the ball that dismiss Steve Smith as the reason for retaining Bishoo, then KEMAR ROACH has REASONS for being RECALLED......it is not too late.

Shane
on April 20, 2017, 21:39 GMT

My starting 11: Powell, Brathwaite, Hope, Singh, Blackwood, Chase, Dowrich, Holder, Bishoo, Joseph, Gabriel. Blackwood has been out of form but he will start. If he fails i expect Hetmyer to replace him. As the series progresses we might need a 2nd specialist spinner, perhaps Nurse because he has been bowling well. Then again, Nikita Miller has taken over 400 wickets at an average of 16 in FC cricket and cannot make the team, so lets see.

Desmond
on April 20, 2017, 21:33 GMT

3-0 to Pakistan,barring divine intervention. WI does not have the bowlers to take 20 wickets

Josiah
on April 20, 2017, 21:28 GMT

I'd pick shimron ahead of singh based on his aggressive intent and because it's a like for like replacement for bravo but I wouldn't mind someone like singh batting in the middle order seeing as Jermaine and chase struggled since getting their first centuries

Pakistan's run of 6 successive Test defeats has unfortunately tarnished Misbah's record and reputation irretrievably and their performance in the warm-up match does not augur well at all. They really need get their act together and hit the ground running in the First Test , something which they have failed to do in their series vs the Kiwis and Aus. and raise their game considerably against a WI side which will be lacking their best and most experienced batsmen in Bravo and Samuels. Admittedly this is their best chance yet to finally win a Test series in the Caribbean but we have been here before notably when Inzamam was at the helm and a similarly supposedly weak opposition still managed to deny Pakistan and draw the series. Hopefully for the tourists' sake their proven match winner Yasir can regain his confidence and get among the wickets because the probable lineup is a bowler short. That coupled with the forecast of rain over all the 5 days may ultimately thwart Pakistan.

arbazr8354028
on April 20, 2017, 20:47 GMT

I think Pakistan should go with Abbas and Asghar as both look good for future. Whab Riaz isn't in his greatest time but he should have to take premier Fast bowler as per conditions will suit him and he never ends up on trying

Tracey
on April 20, 2017, 20:39 GMT

This Test match would not attract enough patrons to full a 25-seater bus over its duration, even if the admission is FREE.. The undisputed truth is 'Both teams, more so the West Indies, are simply UNATTRACTIVE and UNAPPEALING to Cricket Lovers'. The PRODUCT on offer is of a poor quality and value for money cannot be guaranteed. West Indies Cricket is in "INTENSIVE CARE".

albatr6118503
on April 20, 2017, 20:22 GMT

WI should defeat PAK in 1st Test match before PAK's grandads get settled in their conditions.

No featured comments at the moment.

albatr6118503
on April 20, 2017, 20:22 GMT

WI should defeat PAK in 1st Test match before PAK's grandads get settled in their conditions.

Tracey
on April 20, 2017, 20:39 GMT

This Test match would not attract enough patrons to full a 25-seater bus over its duration, even if the admission is FREE.. The undisputed truth is 'Both teams, more so the West Indies, are simply UNATTRACTIVE and UNAPPEALING to Cricket Lovers'. The PRODUCT on offer is of a poor quality and value for money cannot be guaranteed. West Indies Cricket is in "INTENSIVE CARE".

arbazr8354028
on April 20, 2017, 20:47 GMT

I think Pakistan should go with Abbas and Asghar as both look good for future. Whab Riaz isn't in his greatest time but he should have to take premier Fast bowler as per conditions will suit him and he never ends up on trying

karimm1329628
on April 20, 2017, 21:05 GMT

Pakistan's run of 6 successive Test defeats has unfortunately tarnished Misbah's record and reputation irretrievably and their performance in the warm-up match does not augur well at all. They really need get their act together and hit the ground running in the First Test , something which they have failed to do in their series vs the Kiwis and Aus. and raise their game considerably against a WI side which will be lacking their best and most experienced batsmen in Bravo and Samuels. Admittedly this is their best chance yet to finally win a Test series in the Caribbean but we have been here before notably when Inzamam was at the helm and a similarly supposedly weak opposition still managed to deny Pakistan and draw the series. Hopefully for the tourists' sake their proven match winner Yasir can regain his confidence and get among the wickets because the probable lineup is a bowler short. That coupled with the forecast of rain over all the 5 days may ultimately thwart Pakistan.

I'd pick shimron ahead of singh based on his aggressive intent and because it's a like for like replacement for bravo but I wouldn't mind someone like singh batting in the middle order seeing as Jermaine and chase struggled since getting their first centuries

Desmond
on April 20, 2017, 21:33 GMT

3-0 to Pakistan,barring divine intervention. WI does not have the bowlers to take 20 wickets

Shane
on April 20, 2017, 21:39 GMT

My starting 11: Powell, Brathwaite, Hope, Singh, Blackwood, Chase, Dowrich, Holder, Bishoo, Joseph, Gabriel. Blackwood has been out of form but he will start. If he fails i expect Hetmyer to replace him. As the series progresses we might need a 2nd specialist spinner, perhaps Nurse because he has been bowling well. Then again, Nikita Miller has taken over 400 wickets at an average of 16 in FC cricket and cannot make the team, so lets see.

Michael
on April 20, 2017, 21:49 GMT

West Indies need to omit Shannon Gabriel.He gets a five wicket haul every FIVE years and his next is due in the year 2022 when he would have been approaching his 34 birthday and this is 2017...pick him in 2022 instead and include Kemar Roach who is ranked 25th in the ICC rankings ,is fitter,YOUNGER and has 6 four wicket hauls,6 five wicket hauls and one 10 for and if one comments person on another forum can talk about the ball that dismiss Steve Smith as the reason for retaining Bishoo, then KEMAR ROACH has REASONS for being RECALLED......it is not too late.

rammoh2759170
on April 20, 2017, 21:55 GMT

It's fair to say Pakistan lost the warm up game. It won't be a cakewalk for them. WI are really missing Darren Bravo here and other good players

ABOUT COOKIES

We use cookies to help make this website better, to improve our services and for advertising purposes. You can learn more about our use of cookies and change your browser settings in order to avoid cookies by clicking here. Otherwise, we'll assume you are OK to continue.